Larry Restieri – The Visionary CEO Transforming Hightower Advisors with Experience, Integrity, and Innovation
In the world of wealth management, few names carry the weight of experience, credibility, and forward-thinking leadership quite like Larry Restieri. As the Chief Executive Officer of Hightower Advisors, Restieri stands at the forefront of one of America’s leading financial advisory firms, guiding it into a new era of growth, modernization, and client-centric excellence. His journey from Harvard and Fordham Law to the pinnacle of Wall Street success reflects not just a career of achievement, but a legacy of leadership built on values, intellect, and transformation.
Early Life and Education of Larry Restieri
Born with an innate curiosity and drive for excellence, Larry Restieri’s academic journey began at Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990. His time at Harvard laid the foundation for his analytical mindset and leadership potential. Following Harvard, Restieri pursued a Juris Doctor degree at Fordham University School of Law, graduating in 1996.
During his time at Fordham, he distinguished himself as an Editor of the Fordham Law Review, showcasing his commitment to precision, analytical reasoning, and scholarly excellence—skills that would later define his leadership in the corporate finance world.
Larry Restieri’s Legal Career: The Foundation of Strategic Thinking
Before making his mark in finance, Larry Restieri spent several years practicing law. From 1996 to 1998, he worked as an Associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, one of New York’s most prestigious law firms, where he honed his understanding of corporate law and financial structuring.
He later joined Finn Dixon & Herling LLP in Stamford, Connecticut, where he continued to develop his expertise in complex legal and business matters from 1998 to 2000. This legal foundation gave Restieri a unique perspective—one that combined analytical precision with strategic foresight—qualities that would later prove invaluable in his transition to global finance.
The Goldman Sachs Era: Two Decades of Leadership and Impact
A 25-Year Legacy at Goldman Sachs
In 2000, Larry Restieri embarked on what would become a transformative 25-year career at Goldman Sachs, one of the most respected financial institutions in the world. Over this quarter-century, Restieri rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as a Partner, a title reserved for the firm’s most influential and accomplished leaders.
His tenure was marked by innovation, leadership, and a relentless focus on enhancing the client experience. Whether steering wealth management strategies or developing organizational talent, Restieri’s contributions consistently aligned with Goldman’s mission of excellence and integrity.
CEO of Goldman Sachs AYCO
Perhaps the most defining chapter of Larry Restieri’s Goldman Sachs career was his role as CEO of AYCO, the firm’s workplace financial planning and private wealth advisory arm. From 2017 to 2025, he spearheaded AYCO’s modernization efforts—implementing digital tools, expanding service reach, and deepening client relationships across the nation.
Under his leadership, AYCO transformed into a modern, client-first enterprise, blending technology with personalized financial advice. His emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and long-term trust became the hallmark of his leadership philosophy.
Transition to Hightower Advisors: A New Chapter of Leadership
Appointment as CEO in 2025
In June 2025, Larry Restieri took the helm as Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Hightower Advisors, a fast-growing national wealth management firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. His appointment marked the beginning of a bold new chapter, both for Hightower and for Restieri himself.
At the time of his appointment, Hightower was already a significant force—boasting over $300 billion in assets under management and advisement, with 144 advisory practices across 34 states and Washington, D.C. Yet, with Restieri’s arrival, the firm signaled its intent to elevate its strategic ambitions further.
Driving Innovation and Growth
Larry Restieri’s leadership vision for Hightower is centered on three key pillars: growth, modernization, and advisor empowerment. Drawing on his deep experience at Goldman Sachs, he aims to scale Hightower’s platform through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, while preserving its entrepreneurial spirit and culture of partnership.
He has been recognized for his ability to balance large-scale strategic planning with human-centered leadership—a trait that enables him to inspire teams, foster innovation, and sustain long-term performance. His approach aligns perfectly with Hightower’s mission to help financial advisors deliver sophisticated investment solutions and exceptional client experiences.
Leadership Philosophy: People, Purpose, and Performance
A Collaborative and Client-First Approach
Throughout his career, Larry Restieri has demonstrated that great leadership begins with listening. His collaborative approach emphasizes empowering advisors, enhancing operational efficiency, and maintaining a culture rooted in trust and accountability. He believes that wealth management is not merely about numbers—it’s about people, relationships, and purpose.
At Hightower, he is redefining what it means to be a leader in the financial services industry: combining cutting-edge technology with the human touch that clients value most.
Commitment to Integrity and Long-Term Thinking
A defining feature of Restieri’s leadership style is his commitment to ethical decision-making and long-term sustainability. Colleagues describe him as a steady hand—someone who values clarity, accountability, and mutual respect. These principles have guided every phase of his professional journey, from his days as a young associate to his leadership roles in billion-dollar enterprises.
Personal Life and Interests: Beyond the Boardroom
Beyond his executive career, Larry Restieri leads a life rich with creativity and passion. A lifelong musician, he plays lead guitar in a classic rock cover band, a pursuit that reflects his balanced outlook on life. Music, for him, is not just a hobby—it’s an expression of discipline, teamwork, and joy, all qualities that mirror his professional ethos.
His colleagues often highlight his down-to-earth nature and approachability—traits that have made him not only an effective executive but also a respected mentor and team builder.
Legacy and Future Vision
As Larry Restieri continues his journey as CEO of Hightower Advisors, his focus remains unwavering: to build a world-class organization that combines innovation with empathy, strategy with service, and performance with purpose.
His decades of experience across law, finance, and leadership converge in a vision that is reshaping modern wealth management. Under his guidance, Hightower Advisors is not only scaling its business but also redefining what financial advisory excellence looks like in the 21st century.
Conclusion
Larry Restieri represents the modern face of leadership—strategic, empathetic, and relentlessly forward-looking. From his formative years at Harvard and Fordham to his transformative impact at Goldman Sachs and Hightower Advisors, his journey illustrates how vision, discipline, and authenticity can drive both personal success and organizational greatness.
In an industry where trust is currency and leadership is tested daily, Larry Restieri stands as a symbol of innovation grounded in integrity—a leader who continues to inspire financial professionals and clients alike.
